This year’s Post Secondary Recruitment Campaign will run from October 29, 2021, to November 24, 2021.
It is that time again… October. The Government of Canada’s Post Secondary Recruitment (PSR) campaign is now open. During the next few weeks, thousands of Canadian students from across the nation and abroad will compete for the final prize – an indeterminate full-time position in the Government of Canada. Only a select few will be chosen for these coveted jobs. If you are not chosen for a position, you will have to compete during the year in job competitions that are open to the public or wait another long year for the next PSR campaign to be held. During that year, colleagues who prepared for the exams will be starting their new positions. A solid knowledge of preparing your resume for the federal government, studying for the Government exams, and practicing for federal Government interviews is imperative to succeed.
What’s new this year?
This year the PSR Campaign is featuring three inventories:
- Careers in Business, Project Management and Government Programs
- Programs and services for Canadians: Careers for people with disabilities
- Global Affairs Canada
Foreign Service Officer
As expected, this year, COVID-19 continues to place a large toll on hiring practices in the Government of Canada. Both internal and external selection processes are being delayed due to social distancing measures that play a crucial role in the hiring process. Restrictions due to the pandemic and its effects in Canada continue to affect screening and hiring processes. In addition, with the need to determine how to return employees safely back to the office, additional work has been placed on HR teams.
In addition to the above, the growing Canadian debt may have also played a role in departments’ participation (soliciting applications through their own PSR inventories) and the number of positions offered in this year’s campaign. However, there’s no need to worry! Despite the above, new employees are always needed! With older employees continuously retiring, there’s an ongoing need to have well-prepared individuals to replace them. We’ve heard of several individuals that have received an indeterminate position since the beginning of the pandemic.
Given social protests that have taken place in Canada and globally for more equitable governments and companies, this year, there is an inventory solely for individuals with disabilities. This is very positive. Also, it is strongly recommended that Indigenous peoples and racialized communities consider self-identifying when applying to inventories.
Similar to last year, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will require job candidates to write an unsupervised Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE). The Situational Judgement Test and the Graduate Recruitment Test continue to be excluded from the initial stages of testing; however, as noted last year, some departments may request that these exams and the Written Comprehension Proficiency Test be written during their additional screening processes at a later date. Therefore, we have kept them in our preparation package.
New this year, is the offering of online sessions on this year’s inventories. If you are available, I highly recommend attending these sessions to understand more and determine if the jobs offered in a particular inventory are what you’re seeking in a government position.
Vaccination Status
On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.
As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you to complete an attestation.
Similar to last year, there are three inventories. This means that competition will be fierce for a limited number of positions.
Inventories
Overall, two out of three of this year’s inventories are general, which allows opportunities for individuals with different specializations and skills sets to apply. The inventories are chosen based on the present needs in demand in the Government of Canada. Once the pools are established, departments are invited to draw from these pools of pre-screened candidates. Hiring managers throughout the federal public service and across the country have year-round access to these sources of talent to meet their hiring needs. They can quickly and easily connect with talented candidates in the inventories.
Applicants are invited to apply to specific job positions through their account at jobs.gc.ca.
The three inventories chosen for this year are:
1) Careers in Business, Project Management and Government Programs
Positions in this inventory may vary. There are 85 positions available.
Positions could include some of the following tasks:
- Planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating projects from start to finish according to schedule, requirements and budget;
- Preparing and submitting project budget estimates;
- Planning and preparing schedules and milestones, monitoring and communicating progress;
- If procurement is required within the project, preparing contracts, evaluating and escalating for approval changes and additions to contractual agreements;
- Staffing, recruitment or talent acquisition;
- Classification (job evaluation) or organizational design;
- Employment equity and diversity and inclusion;
- Labour relations or union negotiations;
- Conflict resolution;
- Pay and compensation;
- Learning or training or career development;
- Health and safety;
- Well-being in the workplace;
- Workforce or succession planning;
- Official Languages;
- Performance management or talent management.
Online Information sessions on how to apply:
To register, choose the date and time that works for you and copy and paste the link into your browser.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
French: November 3, 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEude6sqzItH9ahGbuRCAM3pz5etuNAopwo
English: November 4, 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeitqjkqH9Rv8rhYLUjHqcC5EMCHrW3x
French: November 9, 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-6hrjssHtfIf0vONcMvObqYcOp8Gx-H
English: November 10, 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdOuvrDksGtE79fxxQ7nz_ulzEjyv67LD
Candidates may be asked to fulfill positions such as Project Manager, Program Delivery Officer, Administrative Coordinator, Business Analyst, Public Health Officer, Facilitator, Communications/Correspondence Coordinator, or other similar positions. Roles may be related to planning, finance, grants and contributions, management, analysis, security, information management, human resources, or occupational health and safety.
2) Programs and services for Canadians: Careers for people with disabilities
Positions in this inventory will be PM01 There are 350 positions available.
Program Managers (PMs) are usually responsible for the following tasks:
- Planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating projects from start to finish according to schedule, requirements and budget;
- Preparing and submitting project budget estimates;
- Planning and preparing schedules and milestones, monitoring and communicating progress;
- If procurement is required within the project, preparing contracts, evaluating and escalating for approval changes and additions to contractual agreements.
Online Information sessions on how to apply:
- To register, choose the date and time that works for you and copy and paste the link into your browser.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
French: November 3, 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEude6sqzItH9ahGbuRCAM3pz5etuNAopwo
English: November 4, 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeitqjkqH9Rv8rhYLUjHqcC5EMCHrW3x
French: November 9, 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-6hrjssHtfIf0vONcMvObqYcOp8Gx-H
English: November 10, 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdOuvrDksGtE79fxxQ7nz_ulzEjyv67LD
3) Foreign Service Officer
Positions in this inventory will be FS01 There are 100 positions available.
Foreign Service Officers (FSs) are divided into four streams of work:
As a Foreign Service Officer (FS), you will have the opportunity to enter the Department in one of the streams indicated below. All FS can expect to have assignments rotating between missions overseas and Canada throughout their career. While at Headquarters, the FS provides operational support to programs as well as analysis and advice to senior managers and the government in support of Global Affairs Canada’s mandate and operations.
MANAGEMENT CONSULAR OFFICER (MCO)
Foreign Service Officers who are Management Consular Officers play a critical role to ensure that Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad are safe, effective, and sustainable. They enable the Government of Canada to achieve its international objectives, oversee medium- and long-term strategic planning and management of mission operations, take a leadership role in the mission’s governance, oversee emergency management in response to natural and human-made disasters, and develop and lead the strategic approach to consular affairs, including providing client service help to Canadians travelling, working, and living abroad. This includes travel advice and assistance to individual consular clients and more broadly in the event of emergency situations, conflicts, and natural disasters. They also manage programs to ensure that Canadian personnel and facilities around the world are secure and able to fulfill global affairs Canada mandate.
FOREIGN POLICY AND DIPLOMACY (FPDS)
Foreign Service Officers in the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service represent the foreign policy interests of Canada in countries and multilateral organizations across the globe. Through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, advocacy, and the negotiation and implementation of international agreements, diplomats engage and influence international players to advance Canadian interests and values. They enhance social and cultural ties and promote international security and democratic development in support of global stability.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE / TRADE COMMISSIONER SERVICE (TCS)
Foreign Service Officers engaged in international business development are Trade Commissioners who assist members of the Canadian business community to navigate international markets and develop export and investment opportunities. They provide Canadian companies with key business insights and access to a network of international contacts. Officers in this area also negotiate and implement Canada’s broad trade agreement network giving Canadian companies preferred access to diverse markets all over the world.
INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE (IA)
Foreign Service Officers in the International Assistance stream work with Canadian, multilateral, international and local partners to develop policies, and manage programs, in support of Canada’s objectives in the field of international assistance. They also work to reduce the vulnerability of people in crises, such as during armed conflicts, acute food insecurity and natural disasters, by providing humanitarian assistance bilaterally and through multilateral institutions.
Online Information sessions on how to apply:
- To register, choose the date and time that works for you and copy and paste the link into your browser.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
French: November 3, from 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEude6sqzItH9ahGbuRCAM3pz5etuNAopwo
English: November 4, from 12 to 1 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeitqjkqH9Rv8rhYLUjHqcC5EMCHrW3x
French: November 9, from 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-6hrjssHtfIf0vONcMvObqYcOp8Gx-H
English: November 10, from 6 to 7 PM (Eastern Time): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdOuvrDksGtE79fxxQ7nz_ulzEjyv67LD
How will applicants be tested this year?
Before COVID-19, the structure of PSR campaigns have been very clear; however, the impacts of the pandemic will play a large factor in the structure of this year’s campaign.
On-line testing (unsupervised) – Public Service Entrance Exam
- The unsupervised Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE UIT 370) is divided into two sub-tests: the Test of Reasoning and the Test of Judgement. All applicants are required to take the Test of Reasoning (sub-test 1), the Test of Judgement (sub-test 2) is required only if additional information is needed to complete the assessment.
- The PSEE can be written in an unsupervised environment anywhere the applicant has access to a computer and an Internet connection.
- An applicant is permitted to write the PSEE once. Your score will be applied to all PSR jobs to which you apply this year. You will only be invited to attend an in-person testing session if you pass the on-line PSEE.
- Applicants will not be informed of their exact scores.
- An invitation to write the PSEE will most likely be sent between Late December to January. Not all positions may require this test.
- Note: If you pass the online PSEE, you may be invited to attend the Supervised Public Service Entrance Exam
What resources does IG provide?
Our team provides a suite of services that will assist you to prepare for this year’s campaign:
NOTE: All test materials have been revised and updated for the 2021 Post Secondary Recruitment Campaign and include practice materials for both the Test of Reasoning and the Test of Judgement.
- The IG Platinum Guide, for more information, click here
- The IG PSSE Study Guide, for more information, click here
- The IG Resume and Cover Letter Guide, for more information, click here
Important dates to remember
October 29, 2021
- Post Secondary Recruitment opens.
- Applicants have a little over three weeks to apply.
November 24, 2021
- Last day for applicants to submit applications for inventories.
Late December to January 2021
- An Email invitation may be sent to applicants with instructions to write the Unsupervised PSEE (this may occur later given the pandemic measures in place).
February 2021 and onward
- If the Candidate passes the unsupervised PSEE they may be required to take additional exams or referred to a department for a job position or for further testing.
Best luck in this year’s PSR campaign!